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The project’s science adviser, Dr André Menache, said: “Given what we know today about the differences between mice and men, to continue stubbornly to waste public money and animal lives is tantamount to scientific fraud.

“It’s time to stop experimenting on animals and, instead, switch to evidence-based, human-relevant research at Birmingham University.”

A lab tests table, published by the university, reveals a steep increase in the use of animals.

In 2007, 36,467 mice were experimented on.

Within five years, that figure had risen by another 10,000. By 2016, it had risen by 16,000.

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Claire Palmer, Animal Justice Project spokesman, said: “Veganism has risen by over 360 per cent over the past decade, and society is showing its distaste for animal abuse.

“This invariably includes animal experimentation.

“This is demonstrated by the findings of a 2016 Ipsos Mori poll that 74 per cent of the public want more work to find alternatives to animal research, and public support for an outright ban on animal tests has increased.

“Birmingham University is failing to move with the times by increasing its rodent work and failing to understand that animals – even mice – can no longer be used as ‘tools’ by its researchers without scrutiny”.

It is not the first time Birmingham University’s animal tests have been placed under the spotlight.

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Three years ago, the Sunday Mercury exclusively revealed that rats were being deliberately blinded by having plastic balls fired at them.

The tests were designed to advance treatment for servicemen and women blinded by shrapnel.

University leaders admitted the procedure took place, but said it was vital for the treatment of humans who suffer eye injuries.

Of those experiments, the university stated: “The University of Birmingham is involved in research to develop drugs and medical technologies that will help in the fight against life-threatening and debilitating diseases, and improve healthcare for patients.

“Some diseases and health problems involve processes that can only be studied in a living organism.

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“For example, treatments for heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer have all been developed by involving animals in testing and research.

“The University will always ensure that any animals used are humanely treated.”

Birmingham University has issued a full response to the Animal Justice Project’s claims:

“We are open and transparent about the species and numbers of animals that are used for research at the University of Birmingham and this information is published on our website.

“All animals are euthanised humanely. Around 70 per cent are part of a breeding programme and are not involved in experimental procedures.

“We are involved in research to develop drugs and medical technologies that will help in the fight against life-threatening and debilitating diseases and improve health care for patients, and indeed animals too.

“Some diseases and health problems involve processes that can only be studied in a living organism.

“For example, treatments for heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and certain types of cancer have all been developed by involving animals in testing and research.

“We adhere to strict guidelines from the Home Office and are regulated by the Operational Guidance to the Animals (Scientific Procedures) Act 1986, which requires that experimentation on animals should only occur when there is no alternative research technique.

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“As part of that regulatory framework we have periodic visits from a Home Office inspector who checks the welfare of the animals used in research and the facilities that they are kept in.

“During these visits the inspector is looking for evidence of a caring culture, which ensures responsible behaviour and respect for the use and care of animals.

“All research that requires the use of animals is scrutinised by the Animal Welfare and Ethical Review Body to ensure that there are no possible alternatives to the use of animals and that studies are carried out to the highest standards of welfare and care, following the 3Rs principles of replacement, reduction and refinement.